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Governor DeSantis February 18, 2019 Page Two The applicant's disregard for mitigating these known threats is demonstrated by proposing to capture admittedly dangerous composting runoff in a reservoir that is unlined and inadequately buffered or bermed, allowing seepage through the buffer. If permitted, the reservoir will fail to protect offsite properties from the effects of waste- and pathogen -laden runoff. The location of the proposed project near the C-25 Canal presents a threat to the fragile and already damaged Indian River Lagoon, since the C-25 outfall flows into the C-24 and the C-23 Canals and eventually into the Lagoon. Recent disclosures of the fouling of water in formerly pristine Blue Cypress Lake raise substantial concerns that must be addressed by regulatory agencies such as SFWMD when reviewing projects that allow composting and land application of bio -solids. The St. Johns Water Management District and the Ocean Research and Conservation Association (ORCA) both concluded that toxic algae in Blue Cypress Lake was tied to application of bio -solids on neighboring lands. Scientists from state and national agencies and organizations have warned of inadequate or non-existent regulation of bio -solids. We understand that regulation of bio -solids is part of your environmental agenda and is of grave concern to many members of the Florida Legislature. We urge thorough and careful vetting of the Sunbreak Farms project as well as other proposals which involve processing and land application of bio -solids. PGA Village Property Owners Association has engaged experts who have prepared reports and delivered presentations on the dangers of unrestricted use of bio -solids, and we would be pleased to provide any assistance you may find helpful in addressing this serious environmental and public safety concern. In this regard, your staff may contact our attorney, Virginia P. Sherlock, of Littman, Sherlock & Reims, P.A., P.O. Box 1197, Stuart, FL 34995, Tel: 772-287-0200, who can transmit any further information you request. Thank you for your interest and your continued diligence in working to protect residents of St. Lucie County and all of Florida from environmental threats such as those posed by under -regulated processing and application of bio -solids. We are hopeful that a reorganized and more responsible South Florida Water Management District will reflect your administration's goals and commitment to public health and safety by denying the Sunbreak Farms bio -solids processing permit. Sincerely, President, PGA Village Property Owners Association, Inc. Cc: The Hon. U.S. Rep. Brian Mast The Hon. State Rep. Delores Hogan Johnson, District 84 6